Only 4% of Nigeria’s ride-hailing drivers are women

Only 4% of ride-hailing drivers in Nigeria are women, according to a new report. As gig work grows into a $5.1 billion sector, the data highlights a stark gender gap in one of its most accessible job markets.

Women account for just 4% of ride-hailing drivers in Nigeria, highlighting a gender imbalance in one of the country’s fastest-growing segments of the gig economy, according to a new report by Bolt and Ipsos. 

The report, which examines gig work across five African markets, found that men make up 96% of ride-hailing participants in Nigeria.

Ride-hailing has become a key entry point into Nigeria’s gig economy, which the report estimates is worth about $5.1 billion and supports roughly three million workers. Overall, gig work contributes around 2.8% to the country’s GDP. 

Across sectors, ride-hailing accounts for the second largest share of gig work in Nigeria at 24%; however, eCommerce leads with 38%. Freelancing (19%), micro tasks (10%), and remote work (10%) are third, fourth, and fifth, respectively. 

According to the report, more Nigerians turn to platform-based work amid limited formal employment opportunities. It notes that over 90% of employed Nigerians are in informal work, with gig platforms offering a relatively accessible way to earn income quickly and flexibly. 

For many participants, ride-hailing is more than a side hustle. Survey data shows that 64% of drivers said their standard of living improved significantly after joining the gig economy, while another 31% reported slight improvements. 

Drivers cited financial independence, flexible working hours, and the ability to earn a daily income as key motivations for joining ride-hailing platforms. 

However, ride-hailing drivers consistently run into disagreements with their different platforms. The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) have called for strike actions over the years. 

On May 1 2025, they announced a strike action and even punished non-compliant divers with fake ride requests. 

Victoria Fakiya – Senior Writer

Techpoint Digest